Jamie Hixon

Discussion Comment

Using episodic learning and abstract thinking works best for the subjects that I teach as large parts require the ability to "think outside of the box" to diagnose the cause of the concern being addressed.

Jamie Hixon

Discussion Comment

Learning from students

As an electrical instructor it is key that I be able to identify the number of different learning styles present in my class. There are those that seem to just "get it" and those that seem to struggle with it the entire time. Identifing how each person learns makes it easier for me to determine who needs analogies to visualize the concepts versus who needs the more broken down step by step approach.

Jamie Hixon

Discussion Comment

Knowledge is power

The more information the students have about what is going on and what is expected of them the more comfortable they will feel with what is going on around them. Don't leave a question unanswered.

Jamie Hixon

Discussion Comment

Taking the time

One of the largest challenges, for me at any rate, is finding the time to sit down and plan out the meeting itself. Holding the meeting is usually not the problem but I think I could get more done if there was time for proper preperation before hand. Having an outline of how to create a meeting will go a long way in helping to generate more effective meetings.

Jamie Hixon

Discussion Comment

If you are bored, how do they feel?

I try and always think about what I am doing in the class room from their perspective. If I am boring myself with my own lecture; what must it be like to be them having to sit and listen to it? I always try and keep the lecture interesting and fun but above all informational. Thats the hard balance to keep. How do I give them the information they came for without being boring with the details?

Jamie Hixon

Discussion Comment

Attitudes are infectious

The first day of class is the ideal time to remember that most class attitudes are a direct reflection of your attitude. I have seen many times over where class control issues evolved from an instructors mistake of not taking control and showing the class that they are in charge but not unapproachable. If you love what you do, show it.

Jamie Hixon

Discussion Comment

Know Thy self

I believe that above all things, if you want to develop as an instructor you have to identify what you can and cannot do. We all have strengths and weaknesses and by knowing what they are and working within our boundaries and working to increase our comfort levels we become better instructors. Admitting our weaknesses seems to be the hardest of all the personal development needs we have. Once we swollow our pride and own up to our weaknesses I beleive we will ultimately find that we were not alone and enable others to better themselves as well.